How to Avoid Scams on Circova

Red Flags in Messages

• Asks you to chat outside Circova (WhatsApp, text, email)

• Says they're messaging "for a friend" or relative

• Pressures you to act fast or buy immediately

• Contacts you outside the app about your listing

• Claims there's a problem with your payment (via email or text)

Payment Scams to Avoid

• Use trusted payment apps only

• See valuable items in person before paying

• Be careful with fake emails that appear to be from payments apps like Zelle or Venmo asking you to take some type of action before you can accept payment

• Check your actual account balance to confirm payments

• Never pay upfront for items you haven't received

• "I sent payment—here's a screenshot" (never trust screenshots of payments as confirmation)

• "I overpaid by accident—refund the difference" (no real payment was made)

• "I'll pay extra if you ship it today" (urgency = scam)

• "Pay this small fee to receive your money" (fake email from payment app)

• "Can you buy gift cards for payment?" (always a scam)

Phishing scams

• Verification codes from texts or emails

• Login credentials or passwords

• Bank or credit card information

• Social Security numbers

• Links asking you to "verify your account", often a phony site that looks like the official business.

• Fake emails pretending to be from Circova or payment apps

• SMS messages with links to phony sites.

• Anyone asking you to log in through a link they sent

Additional tips for buyers

• Compare prices— If a deal seems too good, it probably is

• Check the seller's profile, ratings, and reviews

• Meet in person to inspect the items closely to make sure that they are real, in the expected condition and work properly.

• Verify tracking numbers on the carrier's actual website

• Never send deposits without seeing the item

• Verify ownership documents in person

If You Spot a Scam

• Stop talking to the person immediately

• Don't click any links they sent

• Report them: from listing or profile, tap Report [!]  Your report helps keep everyone safe.

Questions?